Flavio Bolsonaro wins Brazil first-round election, advances to runoff

Flavio Bolsonaro won the first round of Brazil's presidential election on October 2, getting 47% of votes against President Lula's 45%. Because neither man reached 50%, they will face each other again on October 25.

Bolsonaro, a senator and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, beat Lula by about 2.2 million votes. The result surprised many people, as opinion polls had predicted a different outcome.

History gives Bolsonaro an advantage. Since Brazil returned to democracy in 1985, every candidate who led after the first round has gone on to win the presidency.